Autopsy planned today

The identity of the body recovered from state land in Edenville Township could be known as early as today.

Isabella County Sheriff Leo Mioduszewski said the autopsy began at 9 a.m.

By Kelly Nankervis

The identity of the body recovered from state land in Edenville Township could be known as early as today.

Isabella County Sheriff Leo Mioduszewski said the autopsy began at 9 a.m. this morning in Lansing. Detectives from Isabella and Midland counties attended and took the dental records of Becky Sue MacDonald with them.

MacDonald, 42, was reported missing from her Isabella County home on Nov. 11, 2005 by her family members after she failed to contact them in her usual manner.

Officials never stopped looking for her. They continued Tuesday, digging in an area on state land off West Burns and North Lake Sanford Road.

They found a body about 10 p.m., making good on information given to them by an as of yet unidentified person of interest in the case.

"No, I'm not 100 percent sure that it is her," Mioduszewski said. "The information we had was that was possibly a burial site for her."

The site was peaceful Wednesday afternoon after the shallow grave had been filled. It is just off the side of a winding path and is surrounded by young oak and pine trees.

Mioduszewski said his office has made it a point to speak with MacDonald's family at least once a week, and they were told that deputies were looking for remains.

The special effort made for the family is heartfelt.

"We try to put ourselves in their position," Mioduszewski said. "It bothers me. I can just imagine if it was my mother missing."

Mioduszewski is not sure when the autopsy results could be complete, or when the identification will be made. He said it depends on what the doctor determines is the cause of death, and if toxicology tests are needed.

"I'm just gonna sit and wait," until the detectives call.

Reporter Kelly Nankervis can be reached at knankervis@mdn.net or (989) 839-4231.